Michael Jackson tops Forbes list of top-earning dead stars

MICHAEL Jackson has been named the top-earning dead celebrity for the third year in a row.

The King of Pop - who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 - has made £653 million since his death and a whopping $114 million US in the past 12 months alone, ensuring he once again takes the top spot on the Forbes list of top-earning dead stars.

His earnings have come from his music and publishing revenues, his half of the Sony/ATV publishing catalogue and two Cirque du Soleil shows.

However, his profits are slightly down from $137 million which his estate earned in 2014.

Michael was $598 million in debt when he died due to over-spending.

The late singer earned more than twice that of the next celebrity on the list, Elvis Presley who made £36 million in the past 12 months.

His profits have come from music sales and visits to his Graceland home.

Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz came in third with $40 million, Bob Marley has made it on to fourth place with $21 million while Elizabeth Taylor is fifth with $20 million.